Seven dead, including suspected shooter, at birthday party in Colorado Springs

Seven people are dead after a gunman opened fire in a "senseless act of violence" at a birthday party in a Colorado Springs trailer park. 

In a statement released on Sunday (local time), the Colorado Springs Police Department confirmed seven people, including the suspected shooter, had died in the "horrific act".

The bloodshed marks yet another shooting in Colorado, a state rocked by gun violence. 

The shooting occurred at the Canterbury Manufactured Home Community, a mobile home park, shortly after midnight on Sunday (local time). Following preliminary interviews and an initial analysis of evidence, the department said it appears the suspect targeted a birthday party for one of the victims.

"Upon arrival, officers located six deceased adults and one adult male with serious injuries, who was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries," police said.

"It appears that a birthday party was being held at the trailer… for one of the victims. Friends, family, and children were gathered inside the trailer to celebrate when the shooting occurred.

"This horrific act has resulted in the death of six adult victims."

The gunman is believed to be the boyfriend of one of the female victims, police said. He drove to the residence, walked inside and began shooting guests at the party before dying by suicide.

A motive for the shooting has yet to be determined.

The children at the party were uninjured by the suspect and are now staying with relatives, police said. 

The names of the victims and the suspect will be released at a later date once the Coroner has completed their investigations.

"Today we find ourselves mourning the loss of lives and praying solemnly for those who were injured, and those who lost family members in a senseless act of violence on Sunday morning," Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said in response to the shooting.

"We think too of the emergency personnel who responded to a horrific scene and we keep them in our prayers today."

In a statement, Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said the officers who responded to the shooting are "incredibly shaken". 

"As the chief of police, as a husband, as a father, as a grandfather, as a member of this community, my heart breaks for the families who have lost someone they love and for the children who have lost their parents," he said.

"When these types of unspeakable acts happen, there is nothing that can be done to fully rebuild what was lost or replace those who are no longer with us. My vow to this community and to the families who have lost someone today, is that this department will do everything we can to find you the answers you deserve and be here for you with an unwavering support."            

In March, ten people - including a police officer - were killed in a shooting at a King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado.

In 1999, one of the world's most notorious school shootings, the Columbine High School massacre, was carried out at the Colorado school. The two gunmen, who were students, killed 12 fellow pupils and a teacher before dying by suicide.